California Psychology and Social Work Degrees

Psychology and Social Work Degrees: California Career Colleges

Looking for accredited career colleges, technical schools, and universities in California offering Psychology and Social Work degrees.

Psychology and social work are closely related fields

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Career Colleges: California Psychology and Social Work Programs

Why Psychology and Social Work?

Psychology and social work are closely related fields, and many students who major in one discover they would like to work in the other. Fortunately, through more schooling, there are avenues for graduates with a degree in Psychology to make the switch to social work. Sometimes careers can be similar, making it more difficult to choose between the two. Though psychology and social work have an overlap in areas of counseling and therapy, they are two distinct areas of study that lead to different career paths. The key for future success in whichever discipline you choose to pursue is determining what career interests you the most and offers long-term satisfaction. Some individuals use the terms of psychologist and social worker interchangeably, but the two jobs differ significantly.

Job Description

Both social work and psychology may have some similar work, but the actual job descriptions vary. Social workers primary focus is on working with families and individuals to improve their quality of life. Social workers must understand basic human development and behavior in order to work directly with individuals, families, or other groups in building a stronger communities. Social workers help clients overcome personal challenges and help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life. If the scope of an individual's problems is beyond a social worker's training, a referral to a psychologist may become necessary.

Psychologists work with those who are experiencing trouble in their lives, but typically work with individuals rather than whole families or groups. When an individual sees a psychologist, he or she may undergo psychological testing or counseling. The psychologist identifies problem behavior that can help their patients adapt to the challenges. Psychologists primary goal is to perform diagnostic testing for mental illnesses and provide psychotherapy to their patients.

Work Environments

Psychologists often work in hospitals or in private office settings. Social workers, on the other hand, work in a large variety of locations, including rehab centers, nursing homes, schools, mental health institutions, prisons, military bases and many other locations.

Job Market?

Both fields are expected to grow over the next decade. In fact, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, favorable growth is expected for several reasons, including: As boomers age, the growth of medical and public health social workers is expected to surge. Substance abusers are increasingly being required to have substance abuse treatment such as counseling or face jail time. Social workers and counselors in private practice are more affordable than psychologists.

One of the major considerations you need to make in choosing between social work and psychology is the salary. Because of the differences in education requirements and job description, the average salary can vary widely for individuals. Wages vary depending on the chosen specialty. For instance, individuals who work in child, family and school social work make about $44,410 per year, while those who choose health care social work will make about $50,500. Individuals in the area of mental health and substance abuse can make an average of $42,650. Those individuals who choose psychology will earn an average of $73,090, whether individuals work in schools, a clinical situation or counseling.